Covered
In This Section : Overview, Historical Background, Activities, Where to
Reach
Overview
Camel Festival is one of the locally celebrated festivals of Rajasthan. As
is suggested by its name, Camels are the celebrated figures in this
festival. The festival, more like a carnival, is held in the month of
January and in Bikaner city. Bikaner, lying to the north west of Rajasthan
and dominated by the desert sands has got a reason, and a good one too, to
host the event on its own grounds. The festival is marked by a number of
performances by trained camels. With the rich music and dance performances
in the background, the whole scene appears as mystical.
History
There are no accounts that reveals the origins of this festival. In its
recent form the festival has been given a fillip by the state tourism
department so as to pay tribute to the ship of the desert - Camel. The camel
as a beast of burden, especially in the desert region, has made long been
serving the local population. The existence and development of Bikaner owes
a great lot to this popular mode of transportation. The camels of Bikaner,
much like its chivalrous population, are known for their endurance and
strength. Camel is such a celebrity at Bikaner that a special regiment in
Indian millitary was incorporated soon after the independence, which still
serves in the remote areas of Thar Desert.
Activities
The festival is a special treat for camels as well as tourists who
participate to witness this grand show. The fair starts with full pomp and
show as beautifully adorned camels walk in a procession. People from all
over the place adorn their animals with ornaments and some cast metals. The
procession is followed by many performances.
Camel dance performance is a special event on this day. Camel owners, who
also are the trainers of their animals, step in with their individual
performances. Camels can be seen performing footsteps on the command of
their trainers. Skilled ones receive a lot of appreciation and gifts.
